Multi-Level Layout Plans?

Max,  Our layout has 2 levels with 3 seperate lines.  Our layout however is 6 by 11.  You could have a O-42 loop on the edge of the layout then have your upper line more in the center and suspended over parts of the lower.  Here is a photo of ours, You can tell how the upper line weeves around the 2 lower lines.  Hope this gives you some ideas.  Our layout is run conventionally as well as we have 8 total block sections to park engines.  I say keep it simple for now.  Nick

Max,  I never had a plan but I just threw this together.  Hope it helps.  Our track is all Fastrack.  The outer line in PINK  is all O60 curves.  The 2 turnouts are O-48.  The one siding at the far left is O-36 turnout.  The second line sits about 3/4 inch above the outer line.  This line is in BABY BLUE.  All curves are O-48.  The ist tunout at the far right is O-60 and the 2nd one is O-36.  That is what leads into the yard.  The BROWN lines is the edge of the upper layout, remember the lower is 6ft 4 inch wide by 11 ft and 2 inch's long.  The upper most line is in GREEN.  It is all O-36 including the turnouts.  All spurs and the two lower PINK lines are all blocked to park engines on.  The layout is about done and hope to take some good photos of some day. I also added a few more older photos to help. Maybe or make it more complicated.  If I did this again I would not put turnouts under the tunnel to the right.  Our layout is on casters so I can move it to get to a opening if needed.  Nick

Max, Nick and I ended up doing some similar things while working independently, it is interesting what you hawe to do to accomplish some of these goals. 40% or a little more of my layout on the lower leve is covered by the second level , there would have been no othersway to run 5 separated lines, have a city and a yard.  Plan on trestles, either home made or store bought.  I wanted longer running loops this time so that is why I ended up running the second leve over a long trestle run.

Hey Nick, for having a 6 x 11 layout you sure do have a lot of action going on.  Very interesting layout. 

Rick

About half way through this set of pictures you can see how I out mine together,  I know that Nick and i similar larger layouts, but it should give you ideas for your second level.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/t...s/72157626165227562/

Max, I am in a similar boat. Limited by space, wanting the world. I have a good bit of o27 42 curves and regular 27. I wanted them to connect and have the ability to run two trains on independent loops. To do all that in 4x8 is very difficult if you want to keep incline grades manageable. Numerous posts here on that. Having an unconnected two level layout like the above is much easier to manage.

Running one long circut gives you more flexibility for a climbing connected layout. There are several "Dealer Layouts" from back in the day that may work like Layout D-264. There is a web page out there with just about all of them. There are also two I liked in the instructions for the 110 trestle set, Layout 4 & 7. Those like many dealer layouts use the trestle set and have 5% grades though which can be tough to manage.

Here are some threads.

https://ogrforum.com/d...92#12834039604595292

I modified a few layouts I founds on the web for 27 track below. I have a mapping program at work I used. I didn't have snapping set-up but it gives a good idea. 

https://ogrforum.com/d...94#11566934573709394

Post War Max,

   Remember its all about how you want your layout to look in the space alloted, I like my layouts to be a childs wonderland, especially with my Tin Plate and older Post War trains.  I like to see my trains run on many different levels using DCS, and still not cover everything up with tunnels.  I am a Professional Engineer and I want to see my trains run smooth as glass thru out the entire layout.  Here is what my multi level childs wonderland layout looks like.

PCRR/Dave

Max, some fine examples posted here. 

As far as not knowing when your moving out, take my advice, stay as long as possible and save your money for a down payment on a house. These days rent for a small apartment is almost as much as a mortgage payment.

Ryan

I am currently working on a 3x12 temporary layout along one wall of a room with an easy-to-build method that can be readily adapted or moved to different locations. I've built it to fit over other other furniture so it doesn't monopolize limited floorspace, and it includes useful overhead shelving. Plenty of track plan possibilities in that space. Take a look:

https://ogrforum.com/d...nt/10440673242762760  

Two levels.

Mike CT,

   I really like your trestle and bridges, real nice stuff!

PCRR/Dave

A 4'x 8' two-level track plan idea. The connecting grade between the two levels is 6%.

Max, I recommend you get the free AnyRail track planning software. SCARM is also free and does great 3-D views, although I find it trickier to use.  

Ace, This looks real good.  Can I get a copy of the AnyRail Plan?

Wow!  I just followed that link.  I am in the process of putting together a layout and your stuff gives me a lot to think about.  THANKS!!!!

Hi Dude, Thanks for the commets. I attached the SCARM file to my previous post above (and here). Also I am close to reconfiguring my 3x12 shelf layout and will post a new plan idea for that.

https://ogrforum.com/d...nt/10440673242762760 

Thanks for the good info, Ace.  I am building a 10 x 12 layout.  I have RR-Track software.  I initially just designed a single level.  I may be adventurous and try and add a second.  Matt

Nick and Ted - Those are two great layouts.  Very efficient.  You guys both get a lot on there with it seeming crowded.  I also especially like how you both found ways to soften the harshness of the Fastrack.  Well done.

How exactly do you get that attachment into scarm?

Good question. When I click on the SCARM file attachment above it shows as a text gibberish file. I tried right click, click "save target", it shows as <4x8-a.txt>, RENAME it to 4x8-a.scarm, save it to your desktop or wherever, then I could simply click on that and it opened with SCARM on my computer. Try that, assuming you already have the free SCARM program on your computer?

If that doesn't work, here is an overhead screenshot and you can try to copy it from that. There are some pieces that do not all fit exactly. If someone wants to try building this, those details need to be worked out for the type of track that they use.

Thanks Ace...

My track plan for the layout in progress is shown on my website.

The "Mountain" area in the middle is to hide 2 Water heaters and a Chimney.

They track spirals up the mountain and doubles back at the top.

The outer main goes up 8 inches above the inner main as it goes to the top right. This allows the crossover at the wye in the back to the mountain run.

Still working out the Lift section in the lower right, Gotta clear a large door there at times.

NICK....very impressive layout!!!